Method and apparatus for supporting internet call sessions in a communication network

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, including a processing system for performing operations for determining service requirements of a call session at first user equipment associated with a communication network, determining a first codec to facilitate the call session at the first user equipment according to the service requirements of the call session, searching a session border controller table according to the first codec to obtain a first resource identifier associated with a first session border controller type to facilitate the call session at the user equipment, receiving a first address of a first session border controller associated with the communication network from a domain name server associated with the communication network responsive to a first query including the first resource identifier, and sending a first transport protocol message to the first session border controller according to the first address. Other embodiments are disclosed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 17/159,336, filed Jan. 27, 2021, which is acontinuation of and claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/288,908, filed Feb. 28, 2019, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,938,991.The contents of each of the foregoing are hereby incorporated byreference into this application as if set forth herein in full.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The subject disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for supportinginternet call sessions in a communication network.

BACKGROUND

Modern telecommunications systems provide consumers with telephonycapabilities while accessing a large variety of content. Consumers areno longer bound to specific locations when communicating with others orwhen enjoying multimedia content or accessing the varied resourcesavailable via the Internet. Network capabilities have expanded and havecreated additional interconnections and new opportunities for usingmobile communication devices in a variety of situations. Intelligentdevices offer new means for experiencing network interactions in waysthat anticipate consumer desires and provide solutions to problems.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are notnecessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary, non-limitingembodiment of a communications network in accordance with variousaspects described herein.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a virtualized communication network in accordance withvarious aspects described herein.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of amobile network platform in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of an example, non-limiting embodiment of acommunication device in accordance with various aspects describedherein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject disclosure describes, among other things, illustrativeembodiments for selecting a Session Border Controller (SBC) server tosupport IP-based multimedia services for call sessions in acommunication system, such as a Long-Term Evolution (LTE) system.Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), Video-over-LTE (ViLTE), or video streamingservices may use SBC services that provide processing of real-time audioand/or video streams, real-time text services, and/or transport layersecurity within IP-based communication networks, such as an IPMultimedia Subsystems (IMS). An application executing at a communicationdevice can detect a request to initiate a call session and can determinea codec required for providing media services to the communicationdevice involved in the call session. The application can access adatabase that associates available codecs with resource identifiers ofknown types of SBC available within the IMS system. The application canthen use the resource identifier to transmit a request to a domain nameserver (DNS) for the type of SBC for providing the required services tothe communication device. Other embodiments are described in the subjectdisclosure.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a method,operating at a processing system including a processor. The method caninclude detecting a first request to initiate a call session at firstuser equipment associated with a communication network and, in turn,determining service requirements of the call session according to thefirst request. The method can also include determining a first codec tofacilitate the call session at the first user equipment according to theservice requirements of the call session and, in turn, searching asession border controller table according to the first codec to obtain afirst resource identifier associated with a first session bordercontroller type to facilitate the call session at the user equipment.The method can further include sending a first query including the firstresource identifier associated with the first session border controllertype to a domain name server associated with the communication networkand, in turn, receiving a first address of a first session bordercontroller associated with the communication network from the domainname server responsive to the sending of the first query. The method caninclude sending a first transport protocol message to the first sessionborder controller according to the first address. The first sessionborder controller can facilitate the call session including the servicerequirements at the user equipment via the communication network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a machine-readablestorage medium, including executable instructions that, when executed bya processing system including a processor, facilitate performance ofoperations, including determining a first codec to facilitate a callsession at first user equipment associated with a communication networkaccording to service requirements of the call session. The operationscan include searching a session border controller table according to thefirst codec to obtain a first resource identifier associated with afirst session border controller type to facilitate the call session atthe user equipment. The operations can also include sending a firstquery including the first resource identifier associated with the firstsession border controller type to a domain name server associated withthe communication network and, in turn, receiving a first address of afirst session border controller associated with the communicationnetwork from the domain name server responsive to the sending of thefirst query. The operations can include sending a first transportprotocol message to the first session border controller according to thefirst address. The first session border controller can facilitate thecall session including the service requirements at the user equipmentvia the communication network.

One or more aspects of the subject disclosure include a device includinga processing system including a processor, and a memory that storesexecutable instructions that, when executed by the processing system,facilitate performance of operations. The processing system, responsiveto executing the executable instruction, can perform operations fordetermining service requirements of a call session at first userequipment associated with a communication network and, in turn,determining a first codec to facilitate the call session at the firstuser equipment according to the service requirements of the callsession. The operations can also include searching a session bordercontroller table according to the first codec to obtain a first resourceidentifier associated with a first session border controller type tofacilitate the call session at the user equipment. The operations canfurther include receiving a first address of a first session bordercontroller associated with the communication network from a domain nameserver associated with the communication network responsive to a firstquery including the first resource identifier; and, in turn, sending afirst transport protocol message to the first session border controlleraccording to the first address. The first session border controller canfacilitate the call session including the service requirements at theuser equipment via the communication network.

Referring now to FIG. 1 , a block diagram is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a communications network 100 inaccordance with various aspects described herein. For example,communications network 100 can facilitate in whole or in part providinga Session Border Controller (SBC) server to support IP-based multimediaservices for call sessions in a communication system. The communicationsnetwork 100 can detect a request for a call session, determine a codecrequired for providing media services to the communication device in thecall session, search for a resource identifier of a known type of SBCbased on the codec, and use the resource identifier to access a SBCbased on a request to a Domain Naming Server (DNS). In particular, acommunications network 125 is presented for providing broadband access110 to a plurality of data terminals 114 via access terminal 112,wireless access 120 to a plurality of mobile devices 124 and vehicle 126via base station or access point 122, voice access 130 to a plurality oftelephony devices 134, via switching device 132 and/or media access 140to a plurality of audio/video display devices 144 via media terminal142. In addition, communication network 125 is coupled to one or morecontent sources 175 of audio, video, graphics, text and/or other media.While broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130 andmedia access 140 are shown separately, one or more of these forms ofaccess can be combined to provide multiple access services to a singleclient device (e.g., mobile devices 124 can receive media content viamedia terminal 142, data terminal 114 can be provided voice access viaswitching device 132, and so on).

The communications network 125 includes a plurality of network elements(NE) 150, 152, 154, 156, etc. for facilitating the broadband access 110,wireless access 120, voice access 130, media access 140 and/or thedistribution of content from content sources 175. The communicationsnetwork 125 can include a circuit switched or packet switched network, avoice over Internet protocol (VoIP) network, Internet protocol (IP)network, a cable network, a passive or active optical network, a 4G, 5G,or higher generation wireless access network, WIMAX network,UltraWideband network, personal area network or other wireless accessnetwork, a broadcast satellite network and/or other communicationsnetwork.

In various embodiments, the access terminal 112 can include a digitalsubscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM), cable modem terminationsystem (CMTS), optical line terminal (OLT) and/or other access terminal.The data terminals 114 can include personal computers, laptop computers,netbook computers, tablets or other computing devices along with digitalsubscriber line (DSL) modems, data over coax service interfacespecification (DOCSIS) modems or other cable modems, a wireless modemsuch as a 4G, 5G, or higher generation modem, an optical modem and/orother access devices.

In various embodiments, the base station or access point 122 can includea 4G, 5G, or higher generation base station, an access point thatoperates via an 802.11 standard such as 802.11n, 802.11ac or otherwireless access terminal. The mobile devices 124 can include mobilephones, e-readers, tablets, phablets, wireless modems, and/or othermobile computing devices.

In various embodiments, the switching device 132 can include a privatebranch exchange or central office switch, a media services gateway, VoIPgateway or other gateway device and/or other switching device. Thetelephony devices 134 can include traditional telephones (with orwithout a terminal adapter), VoIP telephones and/or other telephonydevices.

In various embodiments, the media terminal 142 can include a cablehead-end or other TV head-end, a satellite receiver, gateway or othermedia terminal 142. The display devices 144 can include televisions withor without a set top box, personal computers and/or other displaydevices.

In various embodiments, the content sources 175 include broadcasttelevision and radio sources, video on demand platforms and streamingvideo and audio services platforms, one or more content data networks,data servers, web servers and other content servers, and/or othersources of media.

In various embodiments, the communications network 125 can includewired, optical and/or wireless links and the network elements 150, 152,154, 156, etc. can include service switching points, signal transferpoints, service control points, network gateways, media distributionhubs, servers, firewalls, routers, edge devices, switches and othernetwork nodes for routing and controlling communications traffic overwired, optical and wireless links as part of the Internet and otherpublic networks as well as one or more private networks, for managingsubscriber access, for billing and network management and for supportingother network functions.

FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 in accordance with various aspects described herein. FIG. 2Adepicts an illustrative embodiment of a system 200 for enabling IPcarrier peering. In particular, the system 200 may provide for carrierrouting for subscriber devices 216A of a first carrier network 250 tolocate and connect with subscriber devices 216B of a second carriernetwork for full IP-capable calling, such as VoLTE, ViLTE, or a videostreaming service. IP-capable calling devices 216A-B, can be wireddevices or wireless devices 216A.

In one or more embodiments, a first mobile communication device 216A canbe wirelessly connected to a first carrier network 250 via a firstmobility network 217 and a second mobile communication device 216B canbe wirelessly connected to a second carrier network 255 via a secondmobility network 217B. The first communication device 216A of the firstcarrier network 250 can initiate to an IP-capable call session with asecond communication device 216B of a second carrier network 255, then aIP-capable call session can be established using an IP Network 245, suchthe digital data associated with the call session is transacted betweenthe first carrier network 250 and the second carrier network 255 usingthe Internet rather than using a non-IP connection, such as a publicswitched telephone network (PSTN) or a cellular 2G/3G connection.

In one or more embodiments, the system 200 to complete connection canuse one or more SBC servers 240A-D and 242A-D to provide securedconnectivity between the first and second carrier networks 250, 255 andthe IP Network 245 during a call session. Each SBC server 240A caninclude provide functions for controlling data streams associated withone or more call sessions. Each call session can include signaling, suchas Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) messages that can control variousaspects of the call session from initiation, quality control, throughclosing the call session. Each SBC server 240A can provide a point ofdemarcation between each network 245-255 invoked in the call session.Each SBC server 240A influences the data streams that are included inthe call sessions by providing service capabilities, such asmeasurement, access control, and data conversion facilities for the callsessions.

In one or more embodiments, each SBC server 240A can include one or morefunctions, including security functions, connectivity functions, qualityof service of functions, regulatory functions, media service functions,statistical functions, and billing functions. Examples of Securityfunctions that may be included in a SBC server 240A include protectionagainst malicious attacks, such as Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks,encryption of signaling protocols, such as Transport Layer Security(TLS) or Secure Real-time Transport Protocol (SRTP), malformed packetprotection, and protection against toll fraud. Examples of Connectivityfunctions that may be included in a SBC server 240A include protocoltranslations, IPv4 to IPv6 address interworking, SIP normalization andheader manipulation, and Virtual Private Network (VPN) connectivity.Examples of Quality of Service (QoS) functions that may be included in aSBC server 240A include rate limiting, resource allocation, and calladmission control. Examples of Regulatory functions that may be includedin a SBC 240A include emergency call prioritization (911) and lawfulinterception of call capability. Examples of Media functions that may beincluded in a SBC server 240A include media transcoding, support forvideo calling, support for audio calling, and tone/announcementservices.

In one or more embodiments, each network 250 can include various typesof SBC servers 240A-D, which can be configured to include particular SBCserver functions or combinations of functions. For example, the firstcarrier network 250 can include a SBC server 240A that implements aReal-Time Text (RTT) service, such as in SBC-RTT 240A. RTT allows textto be transmitted instantly from, for example, the first communicationdevice 216A to the second communication device 216B as that text is typeor created. In another example, the first carrier network 250 caninclude a SBC server 240B that implements a TLS service as part its setof security functions, such as in SBC-TLS 240B. The TLS service cancontain cryptographic protocols for use in protection of web browsing,email, instant messaging, and VoIP communications. In another example,the first carrier network 250 can include a SBC server 240C thatimplements a web client service, such as in SBC-WEB 240C. The web clientservice can enable a client application 230 at the first communicationdevice 216A to connect to a web server via the IP Network 245. Inanother example, the first carrier network 250 can include a SBC server240D that implements a video service, such as in SBC-VIDEO 240D. Thevideo service can support video calls, or video-over-IP, orvideo-over-LTE (ViLTE). In one or more embodiments, each SBC server 240Ais a fundamental element in the IP-based communications network, whichcan host a Proxy Call Session Control Function, such as an IP MultimediaSubsystem (IMS) based VoLTE network or a Digital Video Streaming (DVS)network.

In one or more embodiments, the system 200 can address the need forselecting and accessing the right type of SBC server 240A-D forsupporting a particular IP-based multimedia service that is associatedwith a call session. For example, a user of the first communicationdevice 216A may initiate any of various types of call sessions. Thesecall session can include, but are not limited to, a VoLTE-to-VoLTE callsession, a Softphone-to-VoLTE call session, an RTT application-to-ViLTEcall session, or a video streaming-to-mobile device call session. Eachof these call sessions can be invoked either directly by the hardware ofthe first communication device 216A or by an application 230 resident onthe first communication device 216A. For example, a VoLTE callingfunction can be an Original Equipment Manufacturing (OEM) function ofthe communication device 216A, while a Softphone function can be anapplication 230 loaded onto the communication device 216A for emulatinga function such as VoLTE calling. Either way, the first communicationdevice 216A can initiate a variety of call session types, and the firstcarrier network 250 can be connected to many communication devices 216Aand support a variety of call sessions and call session types occurringsimultaneously. Each of these different call session types can require adifferent set of functions or services from whichever SBC server 240Athe first carrier network 250 uses for provision of SBC functionality.

When an IP-based Voice/Video call session (VoLTE/ViLTE) is initiated, aSBC server 240A with appropriate features/services is needed. If itturns out that the first carrier network 250 has selected an incorrecttype of SBC server 240A, then it must reselect a new SBC server 240B,which can cause a significant delay in call session initiation,sometimes in a range of many seconds, which can, in turn, delay callcontrol setup and connection to the correct SBC server 240A. In a robustViLTE service deployment, this will result in reduced customersatisfaction, increased churn rate and overall poor customer retention.Alternatively, if the first communication network 250 selects a“marginally correct but non-optimal” SBC server 240A, then sessionperformance can suffer, again resulting in reduced customersatisfaction.

In one or more embodiments, the first communication device 216A canselect a type of SBC server 240A for servicing a call session based onservices/functions required by the call session. In one or moreembodiments, an application 230 at the first communication device 216Acan detect a request for a call session. The call session can be inincoming or outgoing request. The application 230 can examine therequest to determine the services/functions that are required for theparticular type of call session. In one embodiment, the application 230can access historical data and/or user profile data to determine whichservices/functions are needed to facilitate the call session. Forexample, a “standard” VoLTE-to-VoLTE call session may or may not requireRTT capability depending on a user preference that is stored in a userprofile for the first communication device 216A. User-specificpreferences can be selected by the user or can be developed fromhistorical logging of prior call sessions. For example, a user's profilemay change based on recent changes in usage of services/functionsassociated with call sessions

In one or more embodiments, the first communication device 216A caninclude a table or database for SBC Mapping 232. The SBC Mapping 232provide a means for mapping required functions/services for a callsession to a types of SBC servers 240A-D. The SBC Mapping 232 cancorrelate parameters and/or configurations of services, functions,and/or protocols required for various types of call sessions to one ormore DNS Resource records. For example, the SBC Mapping 232 can be inthe form of a SBC Mapping Table that correlates SBC functional Codecparameters to Universal Resource Identifiers (URI) and/or FullyQualified Domain Names (FQDN) associated with one or more SBC servers240A-D. In one example, the application 230 can detect a request for acall session at the first communication device 216A. The application 230can determine, based on the context of the call session, a user profile,or other factors, that the call session requires one or more functionsor services from a SBC server 240A. These services/functions can becorrelated to a particular Codec parameter. The application 230 can thenaccess the SBC Mapping 232 and search the SBC Mapping 232 for a URC of aSBC server 240A that corresponds to the particular Codec parameter. Forexample, the call session may require a RTT service. The RTT service canbe assigned a Codec of “RTT”. The Application 230 can search the SBCMapping 232 for the “RTT” Codec and return a corresponding URI of“_rtt_udp.sbc.att.net.”

In one or more embodiments, the Application 230 can now contact a DNSResource 234. The Application 230 can query the DNS 234 for an addressof a SBC 240A corresponding to the URI of “_rtt_udp.sbc.att.net.” TheDNS Resource 234 can return an IP Address for the correct or mostappropriate SBC server 240A for this purpose. In this example, the DNSResource 234 can return the IP Address for the SBC-RTT server 240A. TheApplication 230 can use this IP Address to connect to the SBC-RTT server240A. For example, the Application 230 can cause the first communicationdevice 216A to send an SIP INVITE message to the SBC-RTT server 240A inorder to request an origination of the call session. In one embodiment,the SBC-RTT server 240 can use the SIP INVITE message to contact a ProxyCall Session Control Function (P-CSCF), which, in turn, can contact aServing CSCF (S-CSCF) for originating the call session. The callsession, once originated, can use the IP Network 245 to contact thesecond Carrier Network 255. The second Carrier Network 255 can receivethe SIP INVITE message from the first Carrier Network 250, and can, inturn, direct the SIP INVITE message to a terminating S-CSCF. Theterminating S-CSCF can cause the SIP INVITE message to be forwarded toone of the SBC servers 242A-D at the second Carrier Network 255. In oneembodiment, the SIP INVITE message that is received at the secondCarrier Network 255 from the first Carrier Network 250 can include an IPAddress for a corresponding SBC server 242A that is appropriate for thistype of call session. For example, a call session that requires a RTTservice/function and uses a SBC-RTT server 240A at the first CarrierNetwork 250 can automatically select a SBC-RTT server 240B at the secondCarrier Network 255. Once the call session is established, the SBCserver pair of SBC-RTT 240A and SBC-RTT 242A can take over the callsession and automatically invoke the needed services/functions forinitiating, conducting, and terminating the call session between thefirst communication device 216A and the second communication device216B.

In one or more embodiments, the SBC Mapping 232 can be stored in thefirst communication device 216A. The SBC Mapping 232 can be updated ormaintained by downloading data to the SBC Mapping from a SBC Database233 at the first Carrier Network 250. For example, the first CarrierNetwork 250 can use the SBC Database 233 to update the SBC Mapping 232at various communication devices 216A on a periodic basis.Alternatively, the SBC Mapping 232 can be updated whenever data at theSBC Database 233 is changed.

FIG. 2B is a flow diagram illustrating an example, non-limitingembodiment of a system functioning within the communication network ofFIG. 1 . The flow diagram can include a call session flow 260. The callsession flow 260 can include a call session can be initiated for a VoLTEor ViLTE call in step 261. The call session can be initiated, directly,by a communication device or by an application executing at acommunication device. The communication device/application can determinethe requirements for the call session in step 262. The requirements canbe used to determine a Codec parameter corresponding to therequirements. The communication device/application can access a SBCMapping. The SBC Mapping can be searched, using the Codec parameter, toobtain a URI/FQDN for a SBC server corresponding to the Codec parameterin step 263. Once the URI/FQDN is obtained, the communicationdevice/application can access a DNS resource to obtain an IP address forthe SBC server corresponding to the URI/FQDN in step 264. Thecommunication device/application can direct a SPI INVITE message to theSBC server, such as SBC-RTT 265, SBC-TLS 266, or SBC-WEB (HTTP) 267.

In one example use case, the call session may be a VoLTE that utilizesRTT. In this case, the User End application (UEA) requires access to aRTT service. The UEA will therefore require an RTT-enabled P-CSCF toinitiate a RTT voice or text message (e.g., a VoLTE TTY service). TheUEA and access the SBC Mapping to obtain the URI/FQDN. The UEA canperform a query at the DNS server based on the RTT service requirement.The DNS server can return an IP address of the correct SBC server thatcan provide the RTT service. The SIP (Signaling) Path can include:

-   -   UEA (_rtt._udp.sbc.att.com)←→DNS (RTT ip address), and    -   UEA←→RTT SBC←→I/S-CSCF←→AS.        The resulting Media (Bearer) Path can include:    -   UEA←→RTT SBC.

In one example use case, the call session may be a VoLTE that isinitiated by a Softphone using TLS. In this case, the User Endapplication (UEA) requires access to a TLS service. The UEA willtherefore require a Softphone/TLS-enabled P-CSCF to initiate a TLS voiceor text message. The UEA and access the SBC Mapping to obtain theURI/FQDN. The UEA can perform a query at the DNS server based on the TLSservice requirement. The DNS server can return an IP address of thecorrect SBC server that can provide the TLS service. The SIP (Signaling)Path can include:

-   -   UEA (_sip._tls.sbc.att.com)←→DNS (Softphone IP address), and    -   UEA←→Softphone/TLS SBC←→I/S-CSCF←→AS.        The resulting Media (Bearer) Path can include:    -   UEA←→Softphone/TLS SBC.

In one or more embodiments, that system 200 can provide a simple dynamicmechanism for providing SBC sever selection in an IMS network. Thesystem 200 can eliminate or reduce multiple retries and/or delays inaddressing and accessing a SBC server. The system can optimize selectionof SBC servers for providing convergent and/or multimedia service whileimproving the efficiency of communication and reducing traffic delays.

FIG. 2C depicts an illustrative embodiment of a method in accordancewith various aspects described herein. A communication device can detecta request to initiate a call session, such as a VoLTE or ViLTE sessionat step 274. If a call session is detected, then the communicationdevice can determine service/function requirements for providing thecall session at step 276. The communication device can determine a codecparameter for the call session according the service/functionrequirement, in step 278, and, in turn, search a SBC table for aresource identifier based on the Codec parameter, in step 280. Thecommunication device requests and receives an IP address for the SBCserver from a DNS resource based on the resource identifier, in step282, and, in turn, sends a transport protocol message to the SBC serverat the IP address to facilitate the call session, in step 284.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the respectiveprocesses are shown and described as a series of blocks in FIG. 2X, itis to be understood and appreciated that the claimed subject matter isnot limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks may occur indifferent orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from what isdepicted and described herein. Moreover, not all illustrated blocks maybe required to implement the methods described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 3 , a block diagram 300 is shown illustrating anexample, non-limiting embodiment of a virtualized communication networkin accordance with various aspects described herein. In particular avirtualized communication network is presented that can be used toimplement some or all of the subsystems and functions of communicationnetwork 100, the subsystems and functions of system 200, call sessionflow 250, and method 270 presented in FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, 2C, and 3. Forexample, the virtualized communication network 300 can facilitate inwhole or in part selecting SBC servers for providing services/functionsin support of an IP-based call session. After detecting a call sessionrequest, a communication device communicatively coupled to thevirtualized communication network 300 can determine a Codec parameterbased on services/functions required for the call session. The Codecparameter can, in turn, be used to search for a resource identifiercorresponding to a capable SBC server from a SBC table. Thecommunication device can query a DNS resource for an IP address for theSBC server and, in turn, use the IP address to initiate the call sessionvia the SBC server.

In particular, a cloud networking architecture is shown that leveragescloud technologies and supports rapid innovation and scalability via atransport layer 350, a virtualized network function cloud 325 and/or oneor more cloud computing environments 375. In various embodiments, thiscloud networking architecture is an open architecture that leveragesapplication programming interfaces (APIs); reduces complexity fromservices and operations; supports more nimble business models; andrapidly and seamlessly scales to meet evolving customer requirementsincluding traffic growth, diversity of traffic types, and diversity ofperformance and reliability expectations.

In contrast to traditional network elements—which are typicallyintegrated to perform a single function, the virtualized communicationnetwork employs virtual network elements (VNEs) 330, 332, 334, etc. thatperform some or all of the functions of network elements 150, 152, 154,156, etc. For example, the network architecture can provide a substrateof networking capability, often called Network Function VirtualizationInfrastructure (NFVI) or simply infrastructure that is capable of beingdirected with software and Software Defined Networking (SDN) protocolsto perform a broad variety of network functions and services. Thisinfrastructure can include several types of substrates. The most typicaltype of substrate being servers that support Network FunctionVirtualization (NFV), followed by packet forwarding capabilities basedon generic computing resources, with specialized network technologiesbrought to bear when general purpose processors or general purposeintegrated circuit devices offered by merchants (referred to herein asmerchant silicon) are not appropriate. In this case, communicationservices can be implemented as cloud-centric workloads.

As an example, a traditional network element 150 (shown in FIG. 1 ),such as an edge router can be implemented via a VNE 330 composed of NFVsoftware modules, merchant silicon, and associated controllers. Thesoftware can be written so that increasing workload consumes incrementalresources from a common resource pool, and moreover so that it'selastic: so the resources are only consumed when needed. In a similarfashion, other network elements such as other routers, switches, edgecaches, and middle-boxes are instantiated from the common resource pool.Such sharing of infrastructure across a broad set of uses makes planningand growing infrastructure easier to manage.

In an embodiment, the transport layer 350 includes fiber, cable, wiredand/or wireless transport elements, network elements and interfaces toprovide broadband access 110, wireless access 120, voice access 130,media access 140 and/or access to content sources 175 for distributionof content to any or all of the access technologies. In particular, insome cases a network element needs to be positioned at a specific place,and this allows for less sharing of common infrastructure. Other times,the network elements have specific physical layer adapters that cannotbe abstracted or virtualized, and might require special DSP code andanalog front-ends (AFEs) that do not lend themselves to implementationas VNEs 330, 332 or 334. These network elements can be included intransport layer 350.

The virtualized network function cloud 325 interfaces with the transportlayer 350 to provide the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide specificNFVs. In particular, the virtualized network function cloud 325leverages cloud operations, applications, and architectures to supportnetworking workloads. The virtualized network elements 330, 332 and 334can employ network function software that provides either a one-for-onemapping of traditional network element function or alternately somecombination of network functions designed for cloud computing. Forexample, VNEs 330, 332 and 334 can include route reflectors, domain namesystem (DNS) servers, and dynamic host configuration protocol (DHCP)servers, system architecture evolution (SAE) and/or mobility managemententity (MME) gateways, broadband network gateways, IP edge routers forIP-VPN, Ethernet and other services, load balancers, distributers andother network elements. Because these elements don't typically need toforward large amounts of traffic, their workload can be distributedacross a number of servers—each of which adds a portion of thecapability, and overall which creates an elastic function with higheravailability than its former monolithic version. These virtual networkelements 330, 332, 334, etc. can be instantiated and managed using anorchestration approach similar to those used in cloud compute services.

The cloud computing environments 375 can interface with the virtualizednetwork function cloud 325 via APIs that expose functional capabilitiesof the VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. to provide the flexible and expandedcapabilities to the virtualized network function cloud 325. Inparticular, network workloads may have applications distributed acrossthe virtualized network function cloud 325 and cloud computingenvironment 375 and in the commercial cloud, or might simply orchestrateworkloads supported entirely in NFV infrastructure from these thirdparty locations.

Turning now to FIG. 4 , there is illustrated a block diagram of acomputing environment in accordance with various aspects describedherein. In order to provide additional context for various embodimentsof the embodiments described herein, FIG. 4 and the following discussionare intended to provide a brief, general description of a suitablecomputing environment 400 in which the various embodiments of thesubject disclosure can be implemented. In particular, computingenvironment 400 can be used in the implementation of network elements150, 152, 154, 156, access terminal 112, base station or access point122, switching device 132, media terminal 142, and/or VNEs 330, 332,334, etc. Each of these devices can be implemented viacomputer-executable instructions that can run on one or more computers,and/or in combination with other program modules and/or as a combinationof hardware and software. For example, computing environment 400 canfacilitate in whole or in part a communication device capable forselecting SBC servers for providing services/functions in support of anIP-based call session. After detecting a call session request, acommunication device including the computing environment 400 candetermine a Codec parameter based on services/functions required for thecall session. The Codec parameter can, in turn, be used to search for aresource identifier corresponding to a capable SBC server from a SBCtable. The communication device can query a DNS resource for an IPaddress for the SBC server and, in turn, use the IP address to initiatethe call session via the SBC server.

Generally, program modules comprise routines, programs, components, datastructures, etc., that perform particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciatethat the inventive methods can be practiced with other computer systemconfigurations, comprising single-processor or multiprocessor computersystems, minicomputers, mainframe computers, as well as personalcomputers, hand-held computing devices, microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer electronics, and the like, each of which can beoperatively coupled to one or more associated devices.

As used herein, a processing circuit includes one or more processors aswell as other application specific circuits such as an applicationspecific integrated circuit, digital logic circuit, state machine,programmable gate array or other circuit that processes input signals ordata and that produces output signals or data in response thereto. Itshould be noted that while any functions and features described hereinin association with the operation of a processor could likewise beperformed by a processing circuit.

The illustrated embodiments of the embodiments herein can be alsopracticed in distributed computing environments where certain tasks areperformed by remote processing devices that are linked through acommunications network. In a distributed computing environment, programmodules can be located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

Computing devices typically comprise a variety of media, which cancomprise computer-readable storage media and/or communications media,which two terms are used herein differently from one another as follows.Computer-readable storage media can be any available storage media thatcan be accessed by the computer and comprises both volatile andnonvolatile media, removable and non-removable media. By way of example,and not limitation, computer-readable storage media can be implementedin connection with any method or technology for storage of informationsuch as computer-readable instructions, program modules, structured dataor unstructured data.

Computer-readable storage media can comprise, but are not limited to,random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), electricallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), flash memory or othermemory technology, compact disk read only memory (CD-ROM), digitalversatile disk (DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cassettes,magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devicesor other tangible and/or non-transitory media which can be used to storedesired information. In this regard, the terms “tangible” or“non-transitory” herein as applied to storage, memory orcomputer-readable media, are to be understood to exclude onlypropagating transitory signals per se as modifiers and do not relinquishrights to all standard storage, memory or computer-readable media thatare not only propagating transitory signals per se.

Computer-readable storage media can be accessed by one or more local orremote computing devices, e.g., via access requests, queries or otherdata retrieval protocols, for a variety of operations with respect tothe information stored by the medium.

Communications media typically embody computer-readable instructions,data structures, program modules or other structured or unstructureddata in a data signal such as a modulated data signal, e.g., a carrierwave or other transport mechanism, and comprises any informationdelivery or transport media. The term “modulated data signal” or signalsrefers to a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set orchanged in such a manner as to encode information in one or moresignals. By way of example, and not limitation, communication mediacomprise wired media, such as a wired network or direct-wiredconnection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and otherwireless media.

With reference again to FIG. 4 , the example environment can comprise acomputer 402, the computer 402 comprising a processing unit 404, asystem memory 406 and a system bus 408. The system bus 408 couplessystem components including, but not limited to, the system memory 406to the processing unit 404. The processing unit 404 can be any ofvarious commercially available processors. Dual microprocessors andother multiprocessor architectures can also be employed as theprocessing unit 404.

The system bus 408 can be any of several types of bus structure that canfurther interconnect to a memory bus (with or without a memorycontroller), a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety ofcommercially available bus architectures. The system memory 406comprises ROM 410 and RAM 412. A basic input/output system (BIOS) can bestored in a non-volatile memory such as ROM, erasable programmable readonly memory (EPROM), EEPROM, which BIOS contains the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within the computer 402,such as during startup. The RAM 412 can also comprise a high-speed RAMsuch as static RAM for caching data.

The computer 402 further comprises an internal hard disk drive (HDD) 414(e.g., EIDE, SATA), which internal HDD 414 can also be configured forexternal use in a suitable chassis (not shown), a magnetic floppy diskdrive (FDD) 416, (e.g., to read from or write to a removable diskette418) and an optical disk drive 420, (e.g., reading a CD-ROM disk 422 or,to read from or write to other high capacity optical media such as theDVD). The HDD 414, magnetic FDD 416 and optical disk drive 420 can beconnected to the system bus 408 by a hard disk drive interface 424, amagnetic disk drive interface 426 and an optical drive interface 428,respectively. The hard disk drive interface 424 for external driveimplementations comprises at least one or both of Universal Serial Bus(USB) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 1394interface technologies. Other external drive connection technologies arewithin contemplation of the embodiments described herein.

The drives and their associated computer-readable storage media providenonvolatile storage of data, data structures, computer-executableinstructions, and so forth. For the computer 402, the drives and storagemedia accommodate the storage of any data in a suitable digital format.Although the description of computer-readable storage media above refersto a hard disk drive (HDD), a removable magnetic diskette, and aremovable optical media such as a CD or DVD, it should be appreciated bythose skilled in the art that other types of storage media which arereadable by a computer, such as zip drives, magnetic cassettes, flashmemory cards, cartridges, and the like, can also be used in the exampleoperating environment, and further, that any such storage media cancontain computer-executable instructions for performing the methodsdescribed herein.

A number of program modules can be stored in the drives and RAM 412,comprising an operating system 430, one or more application programs432, other program modules 434 and program data 436. All or portions ofthe operating system, applications, modules, and/or data can also becached in the RAM 412. The systems and methods described herein can beimplemented utilizing various commercially available operating systemsor combinations of operating systems.

A user can enter commands and information into the computer 402 throughone or more wired/wireless input devices, e.g., a keyboard 438 and apointing device, such as a mouse 440. Other input devices (not shown)can comprise a microphone, an infrared (IR) remote control, a joystick,a game pad, a stylus pen, touch screen or the like. These and otherinput devices are often connected to the processing unit 404 through aninput device interface 442 that can be coupled to the system bus 408,but can be connected by other interfaces, such as a parallel port, anIEEE 1394 serial port, a game port, a universal serial bus (USB) port,an IR interface, etc.

A monitor 444 or other type of display device can be also connected tothe system bus 408 via an interface, such as a video adapter 446. Itwill also be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, a monitor 444can also be any display device (e.g., another computer having a display,a smart phone, a tablet computer, etc.) for receiving displayinformation associated with computer 402 via any communication means,including via the Internet and cloud-based networks. In addition to themonitor 444, a computer typically comprises other peripheral outputdevices (not shown), such as speakers, printers, etc.

The computer 402 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections via wired and/or wireless communications to one or moreremote computers, such as a remote computer(s) 448. The remotecomputer(s) 448 can be a workstation, a server computer, a router, apersonal computer, portable computer, microprocessor-based entertainmentappliance, a peer device or other common network node, and typicallycomprises many or all of the elements described relative to the computer402, although, for purposes of brevity, only a remote memory/storagedevice 450 is illustrated. The logical connections depicted comprisewired/wireless connectivity to a local area network (LAN) 452 and/orlarger networks, e.g., a wide area network (WAN) 454. Such LAN and WANnetworking environments are commonplace in offices and companies, andfacilitate enterprise-wide computer networks, such as intranets, all ofwhich can connect to a global communications network, e.g., theInternet.

When used in a LAN networking environment, the computer 402 can beconnected to the LAN 452 through a wired and/or wireless communicationnetwork interface or adapter 456. The adapter 456 can facilitate wiredor wireless communication to the LAN 452, which can also comprise awireless AP disposed thereon for communicating with the adapter 456.

When used in a WAN networking environment, the computer 402 can comprisea modem 458 or can be connected to a communications server on the WAN454 or has other means for establishing communications over the WAN 454,such as by way of the Internet. The modem 458, which can be internal orexternal and a wired or wireless device, can be connected to the systembus 408 via the input device interface 442. In a networked environment,program modules depicted relative to the computer 402 or portionsthereof, can be stored in the remote memory/storage device 450. It willbe appreciated that the network connections shown are example and othermeans of establishing a communications link between the computers can beused.

The computer 402 can be operable to communicate with any wirelessdevices or entities operatively disposed in wireless communication,e.g., a printer, scanner, desktop and/or portable computer, portabledata assistant, communications satellite, any piece of equipment orlocation associated with a wirelessly detectable tag (e.g., a kiosk,news stand, restroom), and telephone. This can comprise WirelessFidelity (Wi-Fi) and BLUETOOTH® wireless technologies. Thus, thecommunication can be a predefined structure as with a conventionalnetwork or simply an ad hoc communication between at least two devices.

Wi-Fi can allow connection to the Internet from a couch at home, a bedin a hotel room or a conference room at work, without wires. Wi-Fi is awireless technology similar to that used in a cell phone that enablessuch devices, e.g., computers, to send and receive data indoors and out;anywhere within the range of a base station. Wi-Fi networks use radiotechnologies called IEEE 802.11 (a, b, g, n, ac, ag, etc.) to providesecure, reliable, fast wireless connectivity. A Wi-Fi network can beused to connect computers to each other, to the Internet, and to wirednetworks (which can use IEEE 802.3 or Ethernet). Wi-Fi networks operatein the unlicensed 2.4 and 5 GHz radio bands for example or with productsthat contain both bands (dual band), so the networks can providereal-world performance similar to the basic 10BaseT wired Ethernetnetworks used in many offices.

Turning now to FIG. 5 , an embodiment 500 of a mobile network platform510 is shown that is an example of network elements 150, 152, 154, 156,and/or VNEs 330, 332, 334, etc. For example, platform 510 can facilitatein whole or in part selecting SBC servers for providingservices/functions in support of an IP-based call session. Afterdetecting a call session request, a communication device communicativelycoupled to the platform 510 can determine a Codec parameter based onservices/functions required for the call session. The Codec parametercan, in turn, be used to search for a resource identifier correspondingto a capable SBC server from a SBC table. The communication device canquery a DNS resource for an IP address for the SBC server and, in turn,use the IP address to initiate the call session via the SBC server.

In one or more embodiments, the mobile network platform 510 can generateand receive signals transmitted and received by base stations or accesspoints such as base station or access point 122. Generally, mobilenetwork platform 510 can comprise components, e.g., nodes, gateways,interfaces, servers, or disparate platforms, that facilitate bothpacket-switched (PS) (e.g., internet protocol (IP), frame relay,asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)) and circuit-switched (CS) traffic(e.g., voice and data), as well as control generation for networkedwireless telecommunication. As a non-limiting example, mobile networkplatform 510 can be included in telecommunications carrier networks, andcan be considered carrier-side components as discussed elsewhere herein.Mobile network platform 510 comprises CS gateway node(s) 512 which caninterface CS traffic received from legacy networks like telephonynetwork(s) 540 (e.g., public switched telephone network (PSTN), orpublic land mobile network (PLMN)) or a signaling system #7 (SS7)network 560. CS gateway node(s) 512 can authorize and authenticatetraffic (e.g., voice) arising from such networks. Additionally, CSgateway node(s) 512 can access mobility, or roaming, data generatedthrough SS7 network 560; for instance, mobility data stored in a visitedlocation register (VLR), which can reside in memory 530. Moreover, CSgateway node(s) 512 interfaces CS-based traffic and signaling and PSgateway node(s) 518. As an example, in a 3GPP UMTS network, CS gatewaynode(s) 512 can be realized at least in part in gateway GPRS supportnode(s) (GGSN). It should be appreciated that functionality and specificoperation of CS gateway node(s) 512, PS gateway node(s) 518, and servingnode(s) 516, is provided and dictated by radio technology(ies) utilizedby mobile network platform 510 for telecommunication over a radio accessnetwork 520 with other devices, such as a radiotelephone 575.

In addition to receiving and processing CS-switched traffic andsignaling, PS gateway node(s) 518 can authorize and authenticatePS-based data sessions with served mobile devices. Data sessions cancomprise traffic, or content(s), exchanged with networks external to themobile network platform 510, like wide area network(s) (WANs) 550,enterprise network(s) 570, and service network(s) 580, which can beembodied in local area network(s) (LANs), can also be interfaced withmobile network platform 510 through PS gateway node(s) 518. It is to benoted that WANs 550 and enterprise network(s) 570 can embody, at leastin part, a service network(s) like IP multimedia subsystem (IMS). Basedon radio technology layer(s) available in technology resource(s) orradio access network 520, PS gateway node(s) 518 can generate packetdata protocol contexts when a data session is established; other datastructures that facilitate routing of packetized data also can begenerated. To that end, in an aspect, PS gateway node(s) 518 cancomprise a tunnel interface (e.g., tunnel termination gateway (TTG) in3GPP UMTS network(s) (not shown)) which can facilitate packetizedcommunication with disparate wireless network(s), such as Wi-Finetworks.

In embodiment 500, mobile network platform 510 also comprises servingnode(s) 516 that, based upon available radio technology layer(s) withintechnology resource(s) in the radio access network 520, convey thevarious packetized flows of data streams received through PS gatewaynode(s) 518. It is to be noted that for technology resource(s) that relyprimarily on CS communication, server node(s) can deliver trafficwithout reliance on PS gateway node(s) 518; for example, server node(s)can embody at least in part a mobile switching center. As an example, ina 3GPP UMTS network, serving node(s) 516 can be embodied in serving GPRSsupport node(s) (SGSN).

For radio technologies that exploit packetized communication, server(s)514 in mobile network platform 510 can execute numerous applicationsthat can generate multiple disparate packetized data streams or flows,and manage (e.g., schedule, queue, format . . . ) such flows. Suchapplication(s) can comprise add-on features to standard services (forexample, provisioning, billing, customer support . . . ) provided bymobile network platform 510. Data streams (e.g., content(s) that arepart of a voice call or data session) can be conveyed to PS gatewaynode(s) 518 for authorization/authentication and initiation of a datasession, and to serving node(s) 516 for communication thereafter. Inaddition to application server, server(s) 514 can comprise utilityserver(s), a utility server can comprise a provisioning server, anoperations and maintenance server, a security server that can implementat least in part a certificate authority and firewalls as well as othersecurity mechanisms, and the like. In an aspect, security server(s)secure communication served through mobile network platform 510 toensure network's operation and data integrity in addition toauthorization and authentication procedures that CS gateway node(s) 512and PS gateway node(s) 518 can enact. Moreover, provisioning server(s)can provision services from external network(s) like networks operatedby a disparate service provider; for instance, WAN 550 or GlobalPositioning System (GPS) network(s) (not shown). Provisioning server(s)can also provision coverage through networks associated to mobilenetwork platform 510 (e.g., deployed and operated by the same serviceprovider), such as the distributed antennas networks shown in FIG. 1(s)that enhance wireless service coverage by providing more networkcoverage.

It is to be noted that server(s) 514 can comprise one or more processorsconfigured to confer at least in part the functionality of mobilenetwork platform 510. To that end, the one or more processor can executecode instructions stored in memory 530, for example. It is should beappreciated that server(s) 514 can comprise a content manager, whichoperates in substantially the same manner as described hereinbefore.

In example embodiment 500, memory 530 can store information related tooperation of mobile network platform 510. Other operational informationcan comprise provisioning information of mobile devices served throughmobile network platform 510, subscriber databases; applicationintelligence, pricing schemes, e.g., promotional rates, flat-rateprograms, couponing campaigns; technical specification(s) consistentwith telecommunication protocols for operation of disparate radio, orwireless, technology layers; and so forth. Memory 530 can also storeinformation from at least one of telephony network(s) 540, WAN 550, SS7network 560, or enterprise network(s) 570. In an aspect, memory 530 canbe, for example, accessed as part of a data store component or as aremotely connected memory store.

In order to provide a context for the various aspects of the disclosedsubject matter, FIG. 5 , and the following discussion, are intended toprovide a brief, general description of a suitable environment in whichthe various aspects of the disclosed subject matter can be implemented.While the subject matter has been described above in the general contextof computer-executable instructions of a computer program that runs on acomputer and/or computers, those skilled in the art will recognize thatthe disclosed subject matter also can be implemented in combination withother program modules. Generally, program modules comprise routines,programs, components, data structures, etc. that perform particulartasks and/or implement particular abstract data types.

Turning now to FIG. 6 , an illustrative embodiment of a communicationdevice 600 is shown. The communication device 600 can serve as anillustrative embodiment of devices such as data terminals 114, mobiledevices 124, vehicle 126, display devices 144 or other client devicesfor communication via either communications network 125. For example,computing device 600 can facilitate in whole or in part a communicationdevice capable for selecting SBC servers for providingservices/functions in support of an IP-based call session. Afterdetecting a call session request, a communication device including thecomputing device 600 can determine a Codec parameter based onservices/functions required for the call session. The Codec parametercan, in turn, be used to search for a resource identifier correspondingto a capable SBC server from a SBC table 621. The communication devicecan query a DNS resource for an IP address for the SBC server and, inturn, use the IP address to initiate the call session via the SBCserver.

The communication device 600 can comprise a wireline and/or wirelesstransceiver 602 (herein transceiver 602), a user interface (UI) 604, apower supply 614, a location receiver 616, a motion sensor 618, anorientation sensor 620, and a controller 606 for managing operationsthereof. The transceiver 602 can support short-range or long-rangewireless access technologies such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee®, WiFi, DECT, orcellular communication technologies, just to mention a few (Bluetooth®and ZigBee® are trademarks registered by the Bluetooth® Special InterestGroup and the ZigBee® Alliance, respectively). Cellular technologies caninclude, for example, CDMA-1X, UMTS/HSDPA, GSM/GPRS, TDMA/EDGE, EV/DO,WiMAX, SDR, LTE, as well as other next generation wireless communicationtechnologies as they arise. The transceiver 602 can also be adapted tosupport circuit-switched wireline access technologies (such as PSTN),packet-switched wireline access technologies (such as TCP/IP, VoIP,etc.), and combinations thereof.

The UI 604 can include a depressible or touch-sensitive keypad 608 witha navigation mechanism such as a roller ball, a joystick, a mouse, or anavigation disk for manipulating operations of the communication device600. The keypad 608 can be an integral part of a housing assembly of thecommunication device 600 or an independent device operably coupledthereto by a tethered wireline interface (such as a USB cable) or awireless interface supporting for example Bluetooth®. The keypad 608 canrepresent a numeric keypad commonly used by phones, and/or a QWERTYkeypad with alphanumeric keys. The UI 604 can further include a display610 such as monochrome or color LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), OLED(Organic Light Emitting Diode) or other suitable display technology forconveying images to an end user of the communication device 600. In anembodiment where the display 610 is touch-sensitive, a portion or all ofthe keypad 608 can be presented by way of the display 610 withnavigation features.

The display 610 can use touch screen technology to also serve as a userinterface for detecting user input. As a touch screen display, thecommunication device 600 can be adapted to present a user interfacehaving graphical user interface (GUI) elements that can be selected by auser with a touch of a finger. The display 610 can be equipped withcapacitive, resistive or other forms of sensing technology to detect howmuch surface area of a user's finger has been placed on a portion of thetouch screen display. This sensing information can be used to controlthe manipulation of the GUI elements or other functions of the userinterface. The display 610 can be an integral part of the housingassembly of the communication device 600 or an independent devicecommunicatively coupled thereto by a tethered wireline interface (suchas a cable) or a wireless interface.

The UI 604 can also include an audio system 612 that utilizes audiotechnology for conveying low volume audio (such as audio heard inproximity of a human ear) and high volume audio (such as speakerphonefor hands free operation). The audio system 612 can further include amicrophone for receiving audible signals of an end user. The audiosystem 612 can also be used for voice recognition applications. The UI604 can further include an image sensor 613 such as a charged coupleddevice (CCD) camera for capturing still or moving images.

The power supply 614 can utilize common power management technologiessuch as replaceable and rechargeable batteries, supply regulationtechnologies, and/or charging system technologies for supplying energyto the components of the communication device 600 to facilitatelong-range or short-range portable communications. Alternatively, or incombination, the charging system can utilize external power sources suchas DC power supplied over a physical interface such as a USB port orother suitable tethering technologies.

The location receiver 616 can utilize location technology such as aglobal positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of assisted GPS foridentifying a location of the communication device 600 based on signalsgenerated by a constellation of GPS satellites, which can be used forfacilitating location services such as navigation. The motion sensor 618can utilize motion sensing technology such as an accelerometer, agyroscope, or other suitable motion sensing technology to detect motionof the communication device 600 in three-dimensional space. Theorientation sensor 620 can utilize orientation sensing technology suchas a magnetometer to detect the orientation of the communication device600 (north, south, west, and east, as well as combined orientations indegrees, minutes, or other suitable orientation metrics).

The communication device 600 can use the transceiver 602 to alsodetermine a proximity to a cellular, WiFi, Bluetooth®, or other wirelessaccess points by sensing techniques such as utilizing a received signalstrength indicator (RSSI) and/or signal time of arrival (TOA) or time offlight (TOF) measurements. The controller 606 can utilize computingtechnologies such as a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP),programmable gate arrays, application specific integrated circuits,and/or a video processor with associated storage memory such as Flash,ROM, RAM, SRAM, DRAM or other storage technologies for executingcomputer instructions, controlling, and processing data supplied by theaforementioned components of the communication device 600.

Other components not shown in FIG. 6 can be used in one or moreembodiments of the subject disclosure. For instance, the communicationdevice 600 can include a slot for adding or removing an identity modulesuch as a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or Universal IntegratedCircuit Card (UICC). SIM or UICC cards can be used for identifyingsubscriber services, executing programs, storing subscriber data, and soon.

The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” and so forth, as used in theclaims, unless otherwise clear by context, is for clarity only anddoesn't otherwise indicate or imply any order in time. For instance, “afirst determination,” “a second determination,” and “a thirddetermination,” does not indicate or imply that the first determinationis to be made before the second determination, or vice versa, etc.

In the subject specification, terms such as “store,” “storage,” “datastore,” data storage,” “database,” and substantially any otherinformation storage component relevant to operation and functionality ofa component, refer to “memory components,” or entities embodied in a“memory” or components comprising the memory. It will be appreciatedthat the memory components described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory, or can comprise both volatile andnonvolatile memory, by way of illustration, and not limitation, volatilememory, non-volatile memory, disk storage, and memory storage. Further,nonvolatile memory can be included in read only memory (ROM),programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM),electrically erasable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory cancomprise random access memory (RAM), which acts as external cachememory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available inmany forms such as synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM),synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhancedSDRAM (ESDRAM), Synchlink DRAM (SLDRAM), and direct Rambus RAM (DRRAM).Additionally, the disclosed memory components of systems or methodsherein are intended to comprise, without being limited to comprising,these and any other suitable types of memory.

Moreover, it will be noted that the disclosed subject matter can bepracticed with other computer system configurations, comprisingsingle-processor or multiprocessor computer systems, mini-computingdevices, mainframe computers, as well as personal computers, hand-heldcomputing devices (e.g., PDA, phone, smartphone, watch, tabletcomputers, netbook computers, etc.), microprocessor-based orprogrammable consumer or industrial electronics, and the like. Theillustrated aspects can also be practiced in distributed computingenvironments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices thatare linked through a communications network; however, some if not allaspects of the subject disclosure can be practiced on stand-alonecomputers. In a distributed computing environment, program modules canbe located in both local and remote memory storage devices.

In one or more embodiments, information regarding use of services can begenerated including services being accessed, media consumption history,user preferences, and so forth. This information can be obtained byvarious methods including user input, detecting types of communications(e.g., video content vs. audio content), analysis of content streams,sampling, and so forth. The generating, obtaining and/or monitoring ofthis information can be responsive to an authorization provided by theuser. In one or more embodiments, an analysis of data can be subject toauthorization from user(s) associated with the data, such as an opt-in,an opt-out, acknowledgement requirements, notifications, selectiveauthorization based on types of data, and so forth.

Some of the embodiments described herein can also employ artificialintelligence (AI) to facilitate automating one or more featuresdescribed herein. The embodiments (e.g., in connection withautomatically identifying acquired cell sites that provide a maximumvalue/benefit after addition to an existing communication network) canemploy various AI-based schemes for carrying out various embodimentsthereof. Moreover, the classifier can be employed to determine a rankingor priority of each cell site of the acquired network. A classifier is afunction that maps an input attribute vector, x=(x1, x2, x3, x4, . . . ,xn), to a confidence that the input belongs to a class, that is,f(x)=confidence (class). Such classification can employ a probabilisticand/or statistical-based analysis (e.g., factoring into the analysisutilities and costs) to determine or infer an action that a user desiresto be automatically performed. A support vector machine (SVM) is anexample of a classifier that can be employed. The SVM operates byfinding a hypersurface in the space of possible inputs, which thehypersurface attempts to split the triggering criteria from thenon-triggering events. Intuitively, this makes the classificationcorrect for testing data that is near, but not identical to trainingdata. Other directed and undirected model classification approachescomprise, e.g., naïve Bayes, Bayesian networks, decision trees, neuralnetworks, fuzzy logic models, and probabilistic classification modelsproviding different patterns of independence can be employed.Classification as used herein also is inclusive of statisticalregression that is utilized to develop models of priority.

As will be readily appreciated, one or more of the embodiments canemploy classifiers that are explicitly trained (e.g., via a generictraining data) as well as implicitly trained (e.g., via observing UEbehavior, operator preferences, historical information, receivingextrinsic information). For example, SVMs can be configured via alearning or training phase within a classifier constructor and featureselection module. Thus, the classifier(s) can be used to automaticallylearn and perform a number of functions, including but not limited todetermining according to predetermined criteria which of the acquiredcell sites will benefit a maximum number of subscribers and/or which ofthe acquired cell sites will add minimum value to the existingcommunication network coverage, etc.

As used in some contexts in this application, in some embodiments, theterms “component,” “system” and the like are intended to refer to, orcomprise, a computer-related entity or an entity related to anoperational apparatus with one or more specific functionalities, whereinthe entity can be either hardware, a combination of hardware andsoftware, software, or software in execution. As an example, a componentmay be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, aprocessor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution,computer-executable instructions, a program, and/or a computer. By wayof illustration and not limitation, both an application running on aserver and the server can be a component. One or more components mayreside within a process and/or thread of execution and a component maybe localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or morecomputers. In addition, these components can execute from variouscomputer readable media having various data structures stored thereon.The components may communicate via local and/or remote processes such asin accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., datafrom one component interacting with another component in a local system,distributed system, and/or across a network such as the Internet withother systems via the signal). As another example, a component can be anapparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical partsoperated by electric or electronic circuitry, which is operated by asoftware or firmware application executed by a processor, wherein theprocessor can be internal or external to the apparatus and executes atleast a part of the software or firmware application. As yet anotherexample, a component can be an apparatus that provides specificfunctionality through electronic components without mechanical parts,the electronic components can comprise a processor therein to executesoftware or firmware that confers at least in part the functionality ofthe electronic components. While various components have beenillustrated as separate components, it will be appreciated that multiplecomponents can be implemented as a single component, or a singlecomponent can be implemented as multiple components, without departingfrom example embodiments.

Further, the various embodiments can be implemented as a method,apparatus or article of manufacture using standard programming and/orengineering techniques to produce software, firmware, hardware or anycombination thereof to control a computer to implement the disclosedsubject matter. The term “article of manufacture” as used herein isintended to encompass a computer program accessible from anycomputer-readable device or computer-readable storage/communicationsmedia. For example, computer readable storage media can include, but arenot limited to, magnetic storage devices (e.g., hard disk, floppy disk,magnetic strips), optical disks (e.g., compact disk (CD), digitalversatile disk (DVD)), smart cards, and flash memory devices (e.g.,card, stick, key drive). Of course, those skilled in the art willrecognize many modifications can be made to this configuration withoutdeparting from the scope or spirit of the various embodiments.

In addition, the words “example” and “exemplary” are used herein to meanserving as an instance or illustration. Any embodiment or designdescribed herein as “example” or “exemplary” is not necessarily to beconstrued as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments ordesigns. Rather, use of the word example or exemplary is intended topresent concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, theterm “or” is intended to mean an inclusive “or” rather than an exclusive“or”. That is, unless specified otherwise or clear from context, “Xemploys A or B” is intended to mean any of the natural inclusivepermutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both Aand B, then “X employs A or B” is satisfied under any of the foregoinginstances. In addition, the articles “a” and “an” as used in thisapplication and the appended claims should generally be construed tomean “one or more” unless specified otherwise or clear from context tobe directed to a singular form.

Moreover, terms such as “user equipment,” “mobile station,” “mobile,”subscriber station,” “access terminal,” “terminal,” “handset,” “mobiledevice” (and/or terms representing similar terminology) can refer to awireless device utilized by a subscriber or user of a wirelesscommunication service to receive or convey data, control, voice, video,sound, gaming or substantially any data-stream or signaling-stream. Theforegoing terms are utilized interchangeably herein and with referenceto the related drawings.

Furthermore, the terms “user,” “subscriber,” “customer,” “consumer” andthe like are employed interchangeably throughout, unless contextwarrants particular distinctions among the terms. It should beappreciated that such terms can refer to human entities or automatedcomponents supported through artificial intelligence (e.g., a capacityto make inference based, at least, on complex mathematical formalisms),which can provide simulated vision, sound recognition and so forth.

As employed herein, the term “processor” can refer to substantially anycomputing processing unit or device comprising, but not limited tocomprising, single-core processors; single-processors with softwaremultithread execution capability; multi-core processors; multi-coreprocessors with software multithread execution capability; multi-coreprocessors with hardware multithread technology; parallel platforms; andparallel platforms with distributed shared memory. Additionally, aprocessor can refer to an integrated circuit, an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a fieldprogrammable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic controller (PLC), acomplex programmable logic device (CPLD), a discrete gate or transistorlogic, discrete hardware components or any combination thereof designedto perform the functions described herein. Processors can exploitnano-scale architectures such as, but not limited to, molecular andquantum-dot based transistors, switches and gates, in order to optimizespace usage or enhance performance of user equipment. A processor canalso be implemented as a combination of computing processing units.

As used herein, terms such as “data storage,” data storage,” “database,”and substantially any other information storage component relevant tooperation and functionality of a component, refer to “memorycomponents,” or entities embodied in a “memory” or components comprisingthe memory. It will be appreciated that the memory components orcomputer-readable storage media, described herein can be either volatilememory or nonvolatile memory or can include both volatile andnonvolatile memory.

What has been described above includes mere examples of variousembodiments. It is, of course, not possible to describe everyconceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes ofdescribing these examples, but one of ordinary skill in the art canrecognize that many further combinations and permutations of the presentembodiments are possible. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed and/orclaimed herein are intended to embrace all such alterations,modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes”is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term isintended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as“comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in aclaim.

In addition, a flow diagram may include a “start” and/or “continue”indication. The “start” and “continue” indications reflect that thesteps presented can optionally be incorporated in or otherwise used inconjunction with other routines. In this context, “start” indicates thebeginning of the first step presented and may be preceded by otheractivities not specifically shown. Further, the “continue” indicationreflects that the steps presented may be performed multiple times and/ormay be succeeded by other activities not specifically shown. Further,while a flow diagram indicates a particular ordering of steps, otherorderings are likewise possible provided that the principles ofcausality are maintained.

As may also be used herein, the term(s) “operably coupled to”, “coupledto”, and/or “coupling” includes direct coupling between items and/orindirect coupling between items via one or more intervening items. Suchitems and intervening items include, but are not limited to, junctions,communication paths, components, circuit elements, circuits, functionalblocks, and/or devices. As an example of indirect coupling, a signalconveyed from a first item to a second item may be modified by one ormore intervening items by modifying the form, nature or format ofinformation in a signal, while one or more elements of the informationin the signal are nevertheless conveyed in a manner than can berecognized by the second item. In a further example of indirectcoupling, an action in a first item can cause a reaction on the seconditem, as a result of actions and/or reactions in one or more interveningitems.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it should be appreciated that any arrangement which achieves thesame or similar purpose may be substituted for the embodiments describedor shown by the subject disclosure. The subject disclosure is intendedto cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments.Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments notspecifically described herein, can be used in the subject disclosure.For instance, one or more features from one or more embodiments can becombined with one or more features of one or more other embodiments. Inone or more embodiments, features that are positively recited can alsobe negatively recited and excluded from the embodiment with or withoutreplacement by another structural and/or functional feature. The stepsor functions described with respect to the embodiments of the subjectdisclosure can be performed in any order. The steps or functionsdescribed with respect to the embodiments of the subject disclosure canbe performed alone or in combination with other steps or functions ofthe subject disclosure, as well as from other embodiments or from othersteps that have not been described in the subject disclosure. Further,more than or less than all of the features described with respect to anembodiment can also be utilized.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method, comprising: receiving, by a processingsystem including a processor, a first query that includes a firstresource identifier associated with a first session border controllertype, wherein the first session border controller type corresponds to afirst codec identified for facilitating a call session at a userequipment according to service requirements of the call session, andwherein the user equipment is associated with a communication network;providing, by the processing system, a first address of a first sessionborder controller associated with the communication network responsiveto the receiving the first query, wherein the providing the firstaddress enables a first transport protocol message to be sent to thefirst session border controller according to the first address to causethe first session border controller to facilitate the call session atthe user equipment via the communication network; receiving, by theprocessing system, a second query that includes a second resourceidentifier associated with a second session border controller type,wherein the second session border controller type corresponds to asecond codec identified for facilitating a modified call session at theuser equipment according to modified service requirements; andproviding, by the processing system, a second address of a secondsession border controller associated with the communication networkresponsive to the receiving the second query, wherein the providing thesecond address enables a second transport protocol message to be sent tothe second session border controller according to the second address tocause the second session border controller to facilitate the modifiedcall session at the user equipment via the communication network.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the user equipment comprises a smart phonedevice.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the user equipment comprises adevice executing a phone emulating application.
 4. The method of claim1, wherein the call session comprises a voice-over-IP function or avideo-over-IP function.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the servicerequirements of the call session include real-time text service,transport layer security, softphone emulation, web capability, videocapability, or any combination thereof.
 6. The method of claim 1,wherein the first resource identifier comprises a fully qualified domainname.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the first transport protocolmessage comprises a session initiation protocol message, a sessionannouncement protocol message, or a real-time streaming protocolmessage.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the first session bordercontroller facilitates the call session by way of a call session controlfunction of an internet protocol multimedia system.
 9. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the first transport protocol message includes a mappingbetween a payload code associated with the call session and a codecidentifier associated with the user equipment.
 10. The method of claim1, wherein the modified service requirements include conferencingmultiple devices into the modified call session.
 11. The method of claim1, wherein the second resource identifier comprises a fully qualifieddomain name.
 12. A non-transitory machine-readable storage medium,comprising executable instructions that, when executed by a processingsystem including a processor, facilitate performance of operations,comprising: obtaining a first query that includes a first resourceidentifier associated with a first session border controller type,wherein the first session border controller type corresponds to a firstcodec identified for facilitating a call session at a user equipment,and wherein the user equipment is associated with a communicationnetwork; transmitting a first address of a first session bordercontroller associated with the communication network responsive to theobtaining the first query, wherein the transmitting the first addresscauses a first transport protocol message to be sent to the firstsession border controller according to the first address such that thefirst session border controller facilitates the call session at the userequipment via the communication network; obtaining a second query thatincludes a second resource identifier associated with a second sessionborder controller type, wherein the second session border controllertype corresponds to a second codec identified for facilitating amodified call session at the user equipment; and transmitting a secondaddress of a second session border controller associated with thecommunication network responsive to the obtaining the second query,wherein the transmitting the second address causes a second transportprotocol message to be sent to the second session border controlleraccording to the second address to such that the second session bordercontroller facilitates the modified call session at the user equipmentvia the communication network.
 13. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium of claim 12, wherein the operations further comprise:detecting a first request to initiate the call session at the userequipment; and determining service requirements of the call sessionaccording to the first request.
 14. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium of claim 13, wherein the service requirements of the callsession include real-time text service, transport layer security,softphone emulation, web capability, video capability, or anycombination thereof.
 15. The non-transitory machine-readable storagemedium of claim 12, wherein the second resource identifier comprises afully qualified domain name.
 16. The non-transitory machine-readablestorage medium of claim 12, wherein the modified call session isassociated with modified service requirements relating to conferencingof multiple devices.
 17. The non-transitory machine-readable storagemedium of claim 12, wherein the first session border controllerfacilitates the call session at the user equipment by way of a callsession control function of an internet protocol multimedia system. 18.A device, comprising: a processing system including a processor; and amemory that stores executable instructions that, when executed by theprocessing system, facilitate performance of operations, comprising:receiving a first resource identifier associated with a first sessionborder controller type, wherein the first session border controller typecorresponds to a first codec identified for facilitating a call sessionat a user equipment according to service requirements of the callsession, and wherein the user equipment is associated with acommunication network; providing a first address of a first sessionborder controller associated with the communication network responsiveto the receiving the first resource identifier, wherein the providingthe first address results in a first transport protocol message beingtransmitted to the first session border controller to cause the firstsession border controller to facilitate the call session at the userequipment via the communication network; receiving a second resourceidentifier associated with a second session border controller type,wherein the second session border controller type corresponds to asecond codec identified for facilitating a modified call session at theuser equipment according to modified service requirements; and providinga second address of a second session border controller associated withthe communication network responsive to the receiving the secondresource identifier, wherein the providing the second address results ina second transport protocol message being sent to the second sessionborder controller to cause the second session border controller tofacilitate the modified call session at the user equipment via thecommunication network.
 19. The device of claim 18, wherein the callsession comprises a voice-over-IP function or a video-over-IP function.20. The device of claim 18, wherein the first resource identifiercomprises a fully qualified domain name.